Perfluorocarbon-based oxygen carriers: What is new in 2024?

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Medical Devices
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Perflurocarbon-based oxygen carriers (PBOC) are artificial oxygen therapeutics.
• Many PBOC products were discontinued due to side effects.
• PBOCs offer advantages in large-scale production due to their inorganic nature and small molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development and clinical application of PBOCs.
• To highlight Perftoran's history and potential for the North American market.
• To discuss ongoing research in albumin-derived PBOCs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of PBOC development and clinical trials.
• Analysis of historical data on PBOC product discontinuation.
• Examination of Perftoran's clinical use and safety profile.

Main Results:

• Several PBOC products (Flusol-DA-20, Oxygent, Oxycyte) were discontinued due to adverse effects.
• Perftoran, used in over 35,000 patients in Russia and Mexico, reported mild adverse effects.
• FluorO2 Therapeutics is investigating Perftoran for the North American market, and PHER-O2 is in translational research.

Conclusions:

• PBOCs have a long history with challenges, but Perftoran shows potential for renewed clinical interest.
• Ongoing research into novel PBOC formulations like albumin-derived carriers continues.
• Further investigation is needed to establish safety and efficacy for broader clinical adoption.